Issues Confronting the Huntington Beach Union High School District

By Duane Dishno

Offers a brief description of major issues that will need to be addressed by Trustees.

Appropriate funding to maintain our programs and services will be critical. Because so much of school funding is provided by the State of California, its economic condition will continue to have a direct impact on our ability to fund programs and services. Future budgets must be planned conservatively enough that unforseen adversities can be handled without major disruption to classrooms and instruction. It will be necessary to maintain open, two-way communications with staff, parents, and community members about budget issues and decisions.

Now that modernization and renovation has been completed on all campuses, it is necessary to maintain these facilities in a pristeen condition. This requires setting aside funding for that purpose -- in a budget that is already strained. Likewise, we will need to plan for continued acquisition and updating of technological systems, equipment, and training.

We must continue to ensure that all students are well-prepared for college and the workforce. Instruction must be data driven and must fully engage students in the learning process. Access to honors and A-G classes, implementation of appropriate intervention strategies, and provision of quality staff development and training will be a critical component.

With recent court challenges, the District may find it increasingly difficult to fully fund and provide all of the co-curricular programs and services that are required of a comprehensive high school program. We will need to work effectively with parents and others.

Implementation of the District Strategic Plan will greatly assist in effectively meeting the challenges we face. This plan, adopted by the Trustees in May 2012, includes a focus on (a) student achievement, (b) maintenance of a highly qualified team of employees, and (c) fiscal responsibility and resource alignment.